Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 24 February 2025 – On the margins of the 4^th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) signed a Donor Contribution Agreement (DCA) worth US$ 100 million.

The 5-year DCA was signed by IsDB President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser and KSrelief Supervisor General H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah in Riyadh for the second phase of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF 2.0). The Agreement builds on the ongoing partnership and pledges stronger cooperation in accelerating progress towards long-term development in 32 IsDB member countries.

Under the newly signed DCA, LLF 2.0 will strengthen the member countries’ capacity for high-impact and future-ready development, aligned with their needs and SDG-driven priorities. Forms of collaboration will include direct financial and technical assistance for effective project implementation to achieve meaningful results at scale.

The Lives and Livelihoods Fund is a US$ 2.5 billion development initiative launched in 2016 and funded by an unprecedented global coalition of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Gates Foundation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

The donor investments provide concessional financing to countries for scaling up primary health care systems, improving livelihoods and productivity of smallholder farmers, and building the blocks of social infrastructure. LLF’s multisector initiatives are also designed to address cross-cutting issues such as climate adaptation, and women and youth empowerment development.

In May 2024, LLF partners including Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Gates Foundation, Islamic Development Bank, ISFD, and KSrelief, jointly announced an additional US$ 240 million channeled into new socioeconomic and human capital development projects.

The announcements signaled the commitment of LLF donors to expand their cooperation on the ground in other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East regions.

NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT OUR DONORS

About Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF)

The Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) is a US$ 2.5 billion development initiative launched in 2016 and funded by an unprecedented global coalition including Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Gates Foundation (GF), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), and Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). Its goal is to lift the poorest out of poverty across 33 IsDB member countries by addressing 9 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through projects in health, agriculture, and basic infrastructure.

About Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is an autonomous UAE institution, committed to advancing sustainable development worldwide in alignment with the national vision. Established in 1971 by the Abu Dhabi government, dedicated to fostering economic development and sustainability in developing countries. ADFD plays a pivotal role in promoting the UAE’s commitment to global development by financing key projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Additionally, ADFD provides innovative financial solutions that enhance the competitiveness of Emirati exports and support the national private sector in accessing unique investment opportunities. The fund adopts a diversified investment strategy, engaging in direct investments in high-quality projects to stimulate economic growth in partner nations. Over the past half-century, ADFD has supported 106 developing countries, with its projects and investments totalling approximately AED 216 billion. These efforts have significantly contributed to global progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To know more visit www.adfd.ae

About Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, the Foundation works with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their future and achieve their full potential. In the United States, it aims to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the Foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Chair Bill Gates and our board of trustees.

About Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development

The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), established in 2007 as the poverty alleviation arm of the Islamic Development Bank, is dedicated to eradicating poverty and fostering inclusive, equitable growth across IsDB member countries. Through concessional financing and grants, the ISFD empowers vulnerable populations by enhancing productive capacities, creating sustainable income opportunities, and promoting human capital development.

With a particular focus on women and youth as catalysts for sustainable development, the ISFD addresses the root causes of poverty through innovative programs in education, economic empowerment, community development, and health, aiming to drive transformative change within communities. Through strategic partnerships with the Islamic Development Bank, member countries, donors, and key stakeholders, the Fund delivers targeted interventions that build resilient communities and advance socioeconomic development. Committed to its vision of reducing poverty in the member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, the ISFD remains a key driver of sustainable development, aligning its efforts with the broader goals of the Islamic Development Bank and the sustainable development goals.

About King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is Saudi Arabia's helping hand to the world. Since its establishment in 2015, KSRelief has reached over 100 countries in less than a decade, implementing thousands of projects in collaboration with numerous humanitarian partners. The organization focuses on various sectors, including health, food security, humanitarian and emergency aid coordination, protection, water and environmental sanitation, education, and more. With a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children, KSRelief has worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of millions in need worldwide.

About Qatar Fund for Development

QFFD functions as a linchpin, weaving together various entities within Qatar, from state institutions to humanitarian organizations and UN agencies. The Fund promotes innovation and maintains predictability and flexibility in financing development and humanitarian interventions that build resilience in countries, communities, and individuals in need, lead a better future, give hope, and promote peace and justice.

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